About Handgun Ammo
The history of ammunition for handguns, including both pistol and revolver rounds, is a fascinating journey of technological advancement that has closely followed the development of firearms since the 16th century.
Early handguns were single-shot weapons, loaded with loose powder and a shot or ball, marking the beginning of personal firearm evolution.
These early smoothbore pistols, with their unrifled barrels, posed challenges in accuracy and performance, driving innovations in both firearms and ammunition technology.
A turning point came in the mid-19th century with the introduction of metallic cartridges, which combined the primer, powder, and bullet into a single brass or copper casing.
This breakthrough revolutionized pistol rounds, making firearms more reliable, efficient, and easier to reload.
As technology progressed, various specialized calibers emerged, such as .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .40 S&W, and .380 ACP, each designed for specific shooting applications, including self-defense, law enforcement, and competitive shooting.
The diversity of modern handgun cartridges has transformed the market, allowing shooters to choose from a vast selection tailored to different needs.
Today, retailers like Ammunition Depot offer over 25 calibers of pistol and revolver ammo, covering everything from hunting and personal protection to cowboy action shooting and competitive sports.
Shooters can find popular calibers like 9mm, .38 Special, and .454 Casull, as well as rarer rounds such as .38-40 Winchester or 375 H&H Magnum.
Standard rounds like 9mm remain a top choice for their balance of power, accuracy, and recoil management, making them ideal for range practice and self-defense.
The evolution of handgun cartridges has not only improved firearm performance and reliability but also expanded their applications across a wide range of shooting disciplines.
With advancements in bullet design and manufacturing, shooters today have access to high-quality pistol and revolver ammunition, reflecting centuries of innovation and engineering excellence.
Purchasing Handgun Ammunition Online
Many owners believe having access to a consistent supply of rifle ammo for sale is essential to firearm ownership.
Without their preferred ammunition caliber, owners lose their ability to hunt their favorite game, practice on the range, or defend their home.
Over the past few years, it's gotten more challenging for individual gun owners to maintain a good supply of ammo as nationwide ammunition supply shortages continue to grip the United States.
Luckily, you'll find a significant selection of the most popular pistol ammo for sale at Ammunition Depot.
In addition, our range of in-stock items continuously sets Ammunition Depot aside from the competition because we make it a point to have everything in stock across the board as often as possible.
From 20-round boxes to case lot purchases, we have anything your modern handgun needs, and in most states, your ammo can be delivered directly to your door.
Popular Types of Pistol & Revolver Ammo
9mm (9x19mm Parabellum)
Widely regarded as one of the most popular handgun calibers globally, the 9mm is favored for its balance of manageable recoil, effectiveness, and capacity. It's commonly used in both law enforcement and civilian self-defense.
380 (.380 ACP)
Also known as 9mm short, the .380 ACP is popular in compact and subcompact handguns. Its smaller size makes it an ideal choice for concealed carry pistols.
38 Special (.38 Spl)
A versatile and historic round, the .38 Special is known for its accuracy and manageable recoil. It’s a preferred choice for both target shooting and personal defense.
40 Cal (.40 S&W)
Developed in the late 20th century, the .40 S&W was designed as a law enforcement round to provide a balance between the 9mm and the .45 ACP. It offers more stopping power than the 9mm, while maintaining a higher magazine capacity than the .45 ACP.
45 ACP (.45 Automatic Colt Pistol)
Famous for its stopping power, the .45 ACP is a larger and heavier round, commonly used in the United States for self-defense and in some models of tactical and law enforcement handguns.
10mm (10mm Auto)
Known for its high power and long-range capabilities, the 10mm Auto is preferred for hunting and tactical applications. It offers a higher velocity and energy compared to the .40 S&W.
30 Super Carry
A newer addition to the handgun caliber family, the 30 Super Carry is designed to offer a balance between power and capacity. It provides a performance similar to the 9mm but with a smaller diameter, allowing for increased magazine capacity in compact firearms.
357 Magnum
Known for its high velocity and stopping power, the .357 Magnum is a popular choice for self-defense, hunting, and as a sporting round. It’s a longer and more powerful version of the .38 Special.
44 Magnum
The .44 Magnum is famous for its powerful performance, making it suitable for hunting large game and for use in large-frame revolvers. It’s known for its high stopping power and deep penetration capabilities.
Pistol Ammo Features
BULLET DESIGN
Handgun ammunition can come in a variety of bullet designs, such as full metal jacket (FMJ), hollow point (HP), and soft point (SP). Each design has its own benefits and is often chosen based on the intended use of the ammunition.
CALIBER
Handgun ammo comes in a variety of calibers, ranging from .22 LR to .45 ACP and beyond. The caliber determines the diameter of the bullet and can have a significant impact on factors such as stopping power, penetration, and recoil.
VELOCITY
Pistol ammo typically has a lower velocity than rifle ammunition, but can still travel at high speeds. The velocity of the ammunition can affect its accuracy and penetration.
RECOIL
Handgun ammo can produce significant recoil, which can affect accuracy and make it more difficult to shoot accurately for extended periods of time.
PURPOSE
Pistol ammo is often chosen based on its intended purpose, such as self-defense, law enforcement, or target shooting. Different types of ammunition may be more suited to different purposes based on their features and performance characteristics.
AVAILABILITY
Handgun ammunition is widely available in multiple calibers, quantities, and variations. Additionally, nearly all gun stores, firearm shops, and online retailers sell a varity of handgun and revolver ammo.
Handgun Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is considered handgun ammo?
ANSWER: Handgun ammunition is defined by the ATF, also under the regulations of the Gun Control Act of 1968. The ATF specifies that the ammunition is classified based on the gun it's intended to be fired out of. Therefore, handgun ammunition is ammunition manufactured for guns that are categorized as handguns.
QUESTION: How old do you have to be to buy pistol ammo?
ANSWER: Pistol ammunition sales are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the Gun Control Act of 1968. As a result, you must be 21 years old to purchase handgun ammunition. That's the same age required as if you were purchasing a handgun.
QUESTION: How long does pistol ammo last?
ANSWER: Pistol ammunition has different life expectancies depending on the materials used for manufacturing. According to most manufacturers, this is typically around 10 years. However, if properly stored, its life can be extended for much longer periods.
QUESTION: What is the best handgun ammo?
ANSWER: Best is a very subjective term. What's best will be determined according to what's best for your situation, firearm and budget. Many manufacturers make excellent quality ammunition that serve you well, but depending on the aforementioned factors, some may suit you better than others.
QUESTION: What are the different types of handgun ammunition
ANSWER: Handgun ammunition can come in a variety of calibers and types, such as full metal jacket (FMJ), hollow point (HP), and soft point (SP), among others.
QUESTION: What is the best pistol and revolver ammo for self-defense?
ANSWER: The best pistol and revolver ammo for self-defense can depend on a number of factors, such as personal preference, the situation, and the individual's skill level. Some popular choices for self-defense include 9mm ammo, 40 Cal (S&W), and 45 ACP.
QUESTION: What is the difference between FMJ and HP ammunition?
ANSWER: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition is typically used for target shooting and has a lead core that is fully enclosed in a metal jacket. Hollow point (HP) ammunition, on the other hand, is designed to expand upon impact and is often used for self-defense or hunting.
QUESTION: Can different types of ammunition be used in the same handgun?
ANSWER: Handguns are designed to work with specific calibers of ammunition, and it is important to use the correct type of ammunition for your handgun. Using the wrong type of ammunition can result in malfunctions or even damage to your handgun.
QUESTION: How does the weight of the bullet affect performance?
ANSWER: The weight of the bullet can affect factors such as velocity, penetration, and recoil. Heavier bullets typically have higher momentum and can penetrate more deeply, but may also produce more recoil.
QUESTION: How much does pistol and revolver ammunition cost?
ANSWER: Prices of ammo vary depending on the type of ammo you're buying, the caliber and the amount you're buying. Target ammunition is typically cheaper than self-defense ammo, and certain calibers can be more expensive than others depending on demand and scarcity. There's also a lot of price variance depending on whether you buy in bulk or in smaller quantities.
QUESTION: Where to buy handgun ammo in bulk?
ANSWER: Finding bulk ammunition is similar to purchasing non-bulk ammo: it's available in the same places. As with purchasing other types of ammo, online possibilities like Ammunition Depot represent the most likely solution for cost, convenience and availability.